Descending Into Greatness

 Final Days.  (takes place after disciples could not cast out the demon)

Jesus avoiding the crowds to prepare the disciples  - Mark 9:30-32
(teaching them, preparing them for His death and resurrection)

but --- the disciples' concern = Mark 9:33-34
Quote:  "the yearning to be great dwells in every human heart"
Hence = example:  book entitled "The Search for Significance" - about people longing for recognition and significance.
Is prideful, wrong thing, but very human.

Jesus' response - Mark 9:35 - first must be last - serve, not be served
Compare:  Mark 10:42-45
                 Matt. 23:11-12
                 Luke 22:24-27
   (upside down kingdom)

This is Servant Leadership
ie:  attempting to influence people, guide people, direct people, inspire people --- by means of Serving!!
(not true in the military or corporate life.  But is in voluntary positions.)

Question:  Isn't that a self-contradicting term??  (Serve?  Lead?)
Answer:  by worldly definition/views/standards .... Yes!

BUT .. by Biblical definition the 2 words are not only complimentary but essential to one another!!

In the church - you are not a good leader in you are not a good servant!!!

Example:  Word Chart:

How many times in the New Testament is each word used in reference to a person, title, position or role in the church?
(excluding references to Jesus and to references to the Old Testament offices)

(NIV)
Pastor - 1
Shepherd - 2
Preacher - 3
Deacon - 4
Minister - 6
Bishop/Overseer -7
Teacher - 7
Elder - 22
Servant - 48

(these #s will vary by translation but this serves to show the emphasis in Servant-Leadership)

Thus - the sermon title - "Descending into Greatness" - about servant leadership written by Bill Hybels

Our example of descending into greatness?
Jesus Christ .... at foot washing - John 13:12-17 (this is not a command to do foot washing in the church, but to serve in the church)
                    ..... on the cross - Rom. 5:8

eventually the disciples GOT this!!!  - 1 Pet. 5:1-4

OBSERVATIONS:   (as Christians & followers of Christ)

(1)  We serve Christ first.  But we typically accomplish this by serving others.  - John 21:15-17 - Jesus to Peter - Greek "agape" (God's love)  Peter to Jesus - Greek "phileo" (friendly love) - twice like this.   3rd. time - Jesus to Peter - "phileo" (do you truly like me Peter?)
We can do all the attendance, worship, praise things, but you show love by taking care of people.

(2)  to serve others on His behalf IS to serve Him!!   Matt. 25:34-40 - 'whatever you did for others, you did for me.'

(3)  to this we are called (servant leadership) - Phil. 2:5-8 - servant attitude

(4)  for this we are gifted - 1 Pet. 4:10
this not only for 'out front' leaders; all = called to be Salt and light (Matt. 5); to influence; to direct; to Make a Difference.

(5)  You may be recognized and applauded for your service.  OR .. you may NOT!! 
example:  Mother Teresa before she was discovered

(6)  Either way God's promise is:
            Your service will Make a Difference
            Your service will be Rewarded
May (here?  there?  BOTH!!)

(7)  You are not His servant if He is not your LORD!!  - Matt. 7:21-23

Application:  This is God's design.  You are called, gifted, etc. for service!!!